Recoil

Kept me on the edge of my seat. This guy takes nuclear sub on unbelievable adventures. Great characters developed, good plot. Enjoyed the heck out of this.

I have read all of the Nick Stone books (in order) and I have to say I like this one the best. The first person narrative really puts me inside Nick's head and gives him a distinct personality. I find his descriptions of what he sees to be very entertaining. Probably it's the British military slant. Also, his description of weapons and tactics feels natural and nevers seems to veer military over-description. As others have written, the story is pretty good and all of the characters are fairly well developed. I agree that Silke could have been more detailed. Unfortunately, much of the detail was a previous book. It's a little faster read than some of the previous books. To me that means he didn't stretch it out just to add more pages. So, below is the biggest reason I liked the book. I'm sorry to say that I have to insert a SPOILER ALERT!!! It seems like in all the previous books, main characters that I developed an affection for all died in the end. Comrades-in-arms, both military and para-military, the daughter of his best friend, the list goes on. It seemed like each book had to have Nick alone (again). In recoil, none of the main characters die. It felt right when I was done and didn't cast a pall on the rest of the story.

Probably the best Mcnab fiction I have ever read. Lots of military action, which is Mcnab's forte as compared with espionage. Very detailed and authentic technical descriptions that other authors can only dream about. No unnecessary exaggeration or bragging as far as the main character is concerned in an attempt to convince the reader of his background (like some others do to make it look real). The most captivating thing about Mcnab's book is that one never knows whether he is writing his own experience or fiction!

The in depth detail of artillery weapons deployment and technical prowess is the least appealing aspect of an otherwise fascinating & often poignantly heart-wrenching insight into the rape of Zairian children's very childhood & souls. The characters were very well-developed and the appeal of Sam & Crucial is palpable. Silke - the romantic link - however was for me very one-dimensional despite the fact that the whole goal was her "rescue". There are many graphic & gory details that are certainly not for the faint-hearted yet really serve as proof of the realism that can only be achieved by an author who is sharing true experience. Overall - & given that I am writing this from a female perspective - this is a very informative thriller which will not disappoint.